Abstract: An adjustable support device can include a main body; a pin housed within the main body that is vertically adjustable and has external threading; and a wheel cap attached to the top of the main body and having internal threading, wherein the wheel cap and the pin are threadedly engaged. The adjustable support device can include a plug positioned below the main body; and a shoulder screw configured to removably connect the plug to the main body. The plug can be comprised of a compressible material and can be tapered from its top to its bottom. The shoulder screw can be insertable through the center of the plug, and the shoulder screw can be configured to threadedly connect to an interior of the main body. The adjustable support device can include a cap grip interconnected with external surfaces of the wheel cap; and a lower grip connected to a bottom of the main body.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to carriers for supporting one or more substrate as the substrates are passed through a processing apparatus. In many cases, the substrates are oriented in a vertical manner. The carrier may include a frame and vertical support bars that secure the glass to the frame. The carrier may lack horizontal support bars. The carrier may allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the substrates, without any need to provide precise gaps between adjacent pairs of substrates. The carriers described herein substantially reduce the risk of breaking the processing apparatus and substrates, thereby achieving a more efficient process. Certain embodiments herein relate to methods of loading substrates onto a carrier.

Abstract: A mobile assembly support unit that includes an assembly line sync mechanism having a line engagement unit coupled to a rotatable sync arm, a propulsion unit having a propulsion wheel and a propulsion motor, a translation arm coupled to the propulsion unit and engageable with the rotatable sync arm, and an air cylinder coupled to the propulsion unit. The air cylinder is actuatable between a retracted position and an extended position such that when the air cylinder is in the retracted position, the translation arm is engaged with the rotatable sync arm and the propulsion unit is in a lifted position and when the air cylinder is in the extended position, the translation arm is disengaged with the rotatable sync arm and the propulsion unit is in a descended position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a substrate in a chamber are provided. an apparatus for positioning a substrate in a processing chamber. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a substrate support assembly having a support surface adapted to receive the substrate and a plurality of centering members for supporting the substrate at a distance parallel to the support surface and for centering the substrate relative to a reference axis substantially perpendicular to the support surface. The plurality of the centering members are movably disposed along a periphery of the support surface, and each of the plurality of centering members comprises a first end portion for either contacting or supporting a peripheral edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus and method that can be used to secure a component to be tested to a testing device when the mounting holes of the component are offset from each other in one or more axes in relation to the axis of the component to be tested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tooling used to facilitate machining of component parts or work-pieces. The present tooling fixture is especially well suited to precision machining on large cast and forged component weighing in rough form approximately 1500 lbs. and overall linear dimensions of approximately 4-9 feet.

Abstract: A dual-tip straight pin is disclosed. The pin includes a main shaft having a first tip and a pin leg extending from the main shaft, having a second tip. The pin is suitable for temporarily retaining a plurality of assembly components, such as wood, cloth and the like, to an assembly support workstation retaining the plurality of assembly components in a precisely aligned relationship to each other. The main shaft is located proximate a first side of the assembly component. The first tip extends beyond the second tip enabling the user to insert the main shaft into the workstation and use the main shaft as a pivot to position the pin leg against the second side of the assembly component. The pin is inserted into the assembly support workstation to a depth where a transverse segment of the pin leg engages with an upper surface of the assembly component.

Abstract: Embodiments of lift pin assemblies and substrate supports having such lift pin assemblies are provided herein. In some embodiments, a lift pin assembly includes a body with a first end including a flange and an opposing second end; a bore through the body from the first end to the second end; a profile on an outer surface proximate a second end; and a collar, wherein the profile is configured to removably lock the collar onto the second end.

Abstract: A fixing structure (10) of a distribution member has a plurality of pins provided on one of an annular distribution member and a stator in a predetermined arrangement relation in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of holes provided in the other one of the annular distribution member and the stator so that the plurality of pins are fitted thereinto, respectively. In the fixing structure, each pin and a corresponding hole form one fitting set and the tightening margin of each fitting set has a different value.

Abstract: A tool and method for removing a film from a surface is provided, wherein the tool can include a frame, a handle operably coupled to the frame, a number of wheels operably coupled to the frame, a cylinder rotatably coupled to the frame, an arm rotatably coupled to the frame, and a number of separating devices operably coupled to the arm. In some embodiments, the wheels can rotate about one or more axes parallel to the surface. The cylinder, which collects the removed film, rotates about an axis that can also be parallel to the surface. The arm can rotate about an axis that can also be parallel to the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a plurality of objects may be present. A locating pin may be positioned relative to secondary holes in a plurality of objects. The locating pin may comprise a segment with a cross section having a number of portions alternating between curved sections and angled sections and a surface. The locating pin may be inserted into the secondary holes. The number of portions of the surface corresponding to the angled sections may be configured to align the secondary holes in a desired direction to align the plurality of objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning objects may be present. A locating pin may be positioned relative to secondary holes in a plurality of objects. The locating pin may comprise a segment with a cross section having an elliptical shape, a surface, and an indicating feature associated with the segment. The locating pin may be inserted into the secondary hole, wherein a number of portions of the surface align the secondary holes.

Abstract: A system is provided that is capable of supporting an object during application of surface coating that would enable access to multiple surfaces of the object while minimizing the impact on any surface that has not dried. The system provides stable support for the object during the application process and allows the coatings of all surfaces to dry with minimal effect on the coated surface. The system comprises a plurality of support units. Each support unit comprises a base portion and a contact portion. Each base portion is adapted to rest stably upon a work platform and contact portion is adapted to contact an underside of the object during application of surface coating. The plurality of support units together supports the object above the work platform.

Abstract: A clamp rod (5) is vertically movably inserted into a housing (3), and a detection hole (58) is formed in a lower end wall (3b) of the housing (3), substantially concentrically with an axis of the clamp rod (5). An inlet hole (71, 72) for supplying compressed air is opened in a peripheral surface of the detection hole (58). Into the detection hole (58), a detection member (62) is fitted vertically movably, the detection member (62) having a closing surface (68) which closes an opening portion (71a, 72a) of the inlet hole (71, 72), and a recessed portion (69) through which the opening portion (71a, 72a) is communicatively connected to outside air. The detection member (62) is connected to a downward projecting portion (5a) of the clamp rod (5). The detection member (62) is urged by an elastic member (91) toward the opening portion (71a, 72a).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fixture assembly that is capable of holding work pieces such tiles of various sizes in various positions in a manner which enables freehand cutting. Various embodiments include a main fixture having a working top surface area that includes strategically placed cylindrical openings that are configured to receive easily manipulated tile holding clamps, various dogs that can be removably secured to the fixture in order to place tiles in a desirable position to be held during a cutting operations. The fixture is light weight and is easily transportable to a jobsite and has the capability of storing the clamps, dogs, marking instruments and the like.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a workpiece includes clamps cofigured to engage tie rods secured to the workpiece, locating pins configured to engage a corresponding pin secured to the workpiece, pads, and actuators configured to move clamps for alternately drawing the workpiece into contact with the pads and disengaging the tie rod from the clamp such that the fixture assembly can release the workpiece.

Abstract: A fixture that allows for quickly preparing, painting and finishing a plurality of door panels that have opposed side surfaces interconnected by a relatively narrow edge. The fixture includes upper and lower horizontal support bars. A plurality of spaced vertical support bars extend between and are slidably attached to the upper and lower horizontal support bars so that the spacing between vertical support bars may be adjusted to accommodate the size of the door panels. A plurality of mounting stations are on the vertical supports. A pair of pins are received by the mounting stations and engage the opposite edges of a panel for pivotal movement, painting and finishing of the panel there between.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated dolly assembly that includes a body including a frame and a top surface, a sync arm and a support arm connected to the body, and at least one switch disposed on the body to control movement of the support arm. The sync arm is capable of movement between a first position and a second position, and when the sync arm is in the first position, the sync arm is free from contact with a portion of a workpart carrier traveling along a rail of an overhead conveyor. When the sync arm is in the second position, the sync arm contacts a portion of the workpart carrier. The support arm is also capable of movement between a first position and a second position, and when the support arm is in the first position, the support arm is free from contact with a portion of the workpart carrier. When the support arm is in the second position, the support arm contacts a portion of the workpart carrier.

Abstract: A fixture that allows for quickly preparing, painting and finishing a plurality of door panels that have opposed side surfaces interconnected by a relatively narrow edge. The fixture includes upper and lower horizontal support bars. A plurality of spaced vertical support bars extend between and are slidably attached to the upper and lower horizontal support bars so that the spacing between vertical support bars may be adjusted to accommodate the size of the door panels. A plurality of mounting stations are on the vertical supports. A pair of pins are received by the mounting stations and engage the opposite edges of a panel for pivotal movement, painting and finishing of the panel there between.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for a foil bearing comprises: a tubular positioning member having a substantially cylindrical wall provided with engagement portions each having a shape corresponding to at least part of a wave-shaped portion of associated one of foil members such that positioning of the foil members can be achieved by engaging the wave-shaped portion of each foil member to the associated engagement portion of the positioning member and inserting the positioning member into an inside of the stationary mount member; and a welding device for welding the foil members to the inner circumferential surface of the stationary mount member, wherein the positioning member is formed with openings in the substantially circumferential wall thereof to allow the welding device to access the foil members from inside the positioning member through the openings.

Abstract: A supporting pin which can cancel thermal expansion of a mounting table (hot plate) includes an upper supporting pin and a lower supporting pin, wherein the upper supporting pin and the lower supporting pin are independent of each other, the upper supporting pin is retained by the penetrating hole of the mounting table, and the lower supporting pin is attached to an elevator mechanism. Since the lower end of the upper supporting pin and the upper end of the lower supporting pin are in contact with each other, the operation of the supporting pin can be normally performed even when thermal expansion of the hot plate occurs.

Abstract: A router plane having a collar maintained in snug engagement with a blade shank during blade height adjustment to facilitate accurate adjustment with a threaded adjustment nut that travels on an adjustment post. The collar is retained on a post secured to the router plane body so that the collar can rotate between blade in-board and blade out-board positions without removal from the post.

Abstract: A receiving element which can be introduced into a borehole of at least one component includes a bolt presenting an outer surface that is approximately parallel and advantageously coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the bolt. The receiving element requires few materials and can therefore be produced at a low constructional cost while being provided with high dimensional stability and positioning accuracy. The bold includes an abrasion-resistant sintered material, and a metal tip provided on the front end of the shaft. The end part of the tip is engageable in a recess of the bolt, and there is a direct connection between the end part and the recess in the connection region on the front end of the bolt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning objects may be present. A locating pin may be positioned relative to secondary holes in a plurality of objects. The locating pin may comprise a segment with a cross section having an elliptical shape, a surface, and an indicating feature associated with the segment. The locating pin may be inserted into the secondary hole, wherein a number of portions of the surface align the secondary holes.

Abstract: Provided is a holding stage structure which holds a substrate and disposed in a process chamber that is vacuum-evacuatable and allows a predetermined process to be performed on the substrate therein. The holding stage structure includes: a holding stage body on which the substrate is placed; an elevation pin mechanism lowering the substrate on the holding stage body or raising the substrate from the holding stage body; and a stepped portion formed on the holding stage body so that a peripheral portion of a rear surface of the substrate placed on the holding stage body is exposed to a processing gas supplied into the process chamber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a holding fixture is disclosed for locating and stabilizing substantially identical repeated units during joining of the repeated units. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a structure comprising substantially identical repeated units. In still another embodiment, a welded structure is provided comprising a plurality of welded together substantially identical repeated units.

Abstract: A holding fixture is disclosed for machining bearing caps that have a generally semi-cylindrical bearing bore on an interior surface and bolt shoulders on opposite sides that are drilled to receive bolts. The holding fixture comprises a fixture frame to which a mandrel is attached that receives the bearing caps with the bearing bore centered relative to the mandrel. A plurality of clamps engage an exterior portion of the bearing caps to retain the bearing caps on the mandrel. A method of manufacturing a bearing cap is also disclosed using a fixture that has a mandrel that is received in the bearing bore and clamps that engage the outer surface of the bearing caps. A pair of bolt shoulders of the bearing caps are machined and a bolt hole is drilled in each of the bolt shoulder portions. The bearing bores are subsequently machined with the bearing caps being located based upon the location of the bolt holes to form a plurality of finished bearing caps.

Abstract: An improved vacuum box assembly for use in printed circuit board manufacturing where the printed circuit board is supported during manufacturing operations on the second side of the board. The vacuum box uses a unique and improved side plate that securely retains commercially available substrate support devices within the vacuum box. The side plate has a retention cavity configured to receive one or more substrate support devices therein. The side plate retains the substrate support device in a desired position. Open or unoccupied regions of the retention cavity may be sealed by use of specifically configured vacuum blocking plates.

Abstract: Provided are at least two connecting elements (3, 4) which engage into one another, a first connecting element of which is to be arranged on a workpiece (1) and a second of which is to be arranged on a surface (2) to which the workpiece (1) is to be fastened. At least one of the connecting elements (3, 4) has at least one locking arrangement (8), with the purpose of being able to fixedly clamp said connecting element (3, 4) in its position on the workpiece (1) or on the surface (2). The connecting elements (3, 4) can be arranged in a sleeve (9) which holds said connecting elements and which itself is fixedly held by means of a second locking arrangement (10) in a depression (5, 6) of the workpiece (1) or of the surface (2). For reliable and comfortable assembly of said device, special tools are provided.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed that includes an article support constructed to support a first article, capable of imparting a radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam, in a beam path of the radiation beam or a second article to be placed in a beam path of the patterned radiation beam, the article support having a plurality of supporting protrusions on which the first article or the second article is disposed in use, wherein the plurality of supporting protrusions are constructed to define a support zone to provide a plane of support for the first article or the second article, so that when the first article or the second article is subjected to a thermal load the support zone allows at least a portion of the first article or the second article to expand or contract to reduce the build up of a mechanical stress in the first article or second article, respectively, while maintaining the first article or second article substantially fixed to the article suppor

Abstract: A holding device that can be braced in a surveying machining together with an individual preparation model produced by dental laboratory techniques. The holding device has a mechanically stable frame with bores disposed at a distance (a) to one another, in which at least two holding pins are locked that can be displaced at least in the axial direction (A).

Abstract: A tool for holding tissue to be sampled in place to allow tissue samples of a prescribed thickness to be prepared from the held tissue. The tool includes at least one tine array for engaging and holding the tissue. First and second tine arrays may advantageously be provided to define a slice thickness therebetween. In addition, or in the alternative, the tines of the tine array are mutually spaced apart by different distances to effectively hold the tissue and to define prescribed tissue sample lengths.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a holding fixture is disclosed for locating and stabilizing substantially identical repeated units during joining of the repeated units. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a structure comprising substantially identical repeated units. In still another embodiment, a welded structure is provided comprising a plurality of welded together substantially identical repeated units.

Abstract: Each foreign body removing section extends from a position above a pin plate close to a sprocket to a tenter exit, and is located in close proximity to an edge of a wet film, and has a chamber, a brush roller, an air blow suction head, and an adhesive roller section. By contacting the brush roller with a pin plate positioned above the sprocket, fluctuations in disengaging positions of pins are prevented. An impact caused by disengaging the pins from the wet film is reduced. Thus, foreign bodies, namely burrs separated from the wet film, are reduced. The air blow suction head removes foreign bodies by suction. The adhesive roller section removes the residual foreign bodies. Thus, foreign bodies are securely removed. Covering a disengaging area of the pins with the chamber prevents spreading of foreign bodies into a product area and failures caused by foreign bodies.

Abstract: A skateboard repair fixture comprising a frame that includes an engagement member, such as a threaded rod that is generally aligned with the kingpin of the truck and extendable to contact a defective kingpin for removal from the baseplate or the insertion of a replacement kingpin thereinto. The frame is configured to include one or more of predetermined support positions therealong such that the first baseplate may assume a first orientation within a first support position for removal of the defective kingpin and a second orientation within the first or a second support position for seating its replacement. The frame may be configured to include additional support positions to accommodate different styles of skateboard truck baseplates or an adjustable member may be coupled to the frame to permit the orientation of particular truck baseplate to be adjusted in order to align the engagement member and kingpin.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal cutting of workpieces includes a cutting means for separating a workpiece into a finished part and a residual part, a workpiece support, and support elements for supporting the workpiece. Separate first and second support elements are provided for adjustable support of the finished part or the residual part and are disposed at a mutual separation in the region of the separating cut.

Abstract: A tool for holding tissue to be sampled in place to allow tissue samples of a prescribed thickness to be prepared from the held tissue. The tool includes at least one tine array for engaging and holding the tissue. First and second tine arrays may advantageously be provided to define a slice thickness therebetween. In addition, or in the alternative, the tines of the tine array are mutually spaced apart by different distances to effectively hold the tissue and to define prescribed tissue sample lengths.

Abstract: A chuck assembly comprises a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end. A plurality of pins extend substantially parallel with the axis from the first end. The plurality of pins is located at a first radius relative to the axis. At least one of the pins is operable to move from the first radius to a second radius, relative to the axis. The chuck assembly also includes a means for moving at least one pin between the first radius and the second radius. A prime mover provides the necessary drive to the means for moving. The chuck assembly may be used in combination with various other components to form combinations or systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding an article to be painted coated with a stand. In one embodiment the stand comprises (a) a first leg, (b) a second leg, (c) an upper connecting member attached to the first and second legs at an upper elevational position, (d) a base connecting the first and second legs at a lower elevational position, (e) at least part of the upper connecting member being insertable in a hardware opening of the article, and (f) the base extending on at least two sides of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for joining together at least two substrates, each of which has an inner hole. The apparatus has a pin that is adapted to the inner holes of the substrates. The pin is provided with at least two noses that are movable radially relative to the pin. The noses have linear outer surfaces upon which the edges of the inner holes of the substrates can glide downwardly during movement of the noses toward the pin.

Abstract: A die storing and organizing system comprises a holder for storing and organizing crimp dies, the holder having a first side and a second, opposite side. The system further comprises a plurality of apertures in the holder, each aperture extending from the first side to the second, opposite side; wherein each aperture is adapted to receive a die pin.

Abstract: A wafer lifter for self-centering a wafer onto a wafer pedestal situated in a physical vapor deposition chamber and a method for self-centering a wafer onto the wafer pedestal are described. The wafer lifter is constructed by a lifter body of annular shape, at least four support fingers emanating upwardly from the wafer lifter body and are spaced-apart from each other, and a platform on a tip portion of each of the at least four support fingers defined by a slanted surface from a vertical plane of an outside surface of the support finger. The platform, when supporting a wafer thereon, leaves substantially no gap between the slanted surface and an outer periphery of the wafer.

Abstract: A tool for holding tissue to be sampled in place to allow tissue samples of a prescribed thickness to be prepared from the held tissue. The tool includes at least one tine array for engaging and holding the tissue. First and second tine arrays may advantageously be provided to define a slice thickness therebetween. In addition, or in the alternative, the tines of the tine array are mutually spaced apart by different distances to effectively hold the tissue and to define prescribed tissue sample lengths.

Abstract: A door painting rack holds one or more doors for finishing by a painter. A base member has a lower support pin and a stop while an extension extends upwardly from the base member. An extension arm extends outwardly in fixed fashion from the extension arm and has a spring-loaded upper support pin located thereon, the upper support pin facing and aligned with the lower support pin. A door is positioned between the two support pins. A portion of the base member, the extension arm, and the extension support may each be telescoping in appropriate fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding an article to be painted coated with a stand. In one embodiment the stand comprises (a) a first leg, (b) a second leg, (c) an upper connecting member attached to the first and second legs at an upper elevational position, (d) a base connecting the first and second legs at a lower elevational position, (e) at least part of the upper connecting member being insertable in a hardware opening of the article, and (f) the base extending on at least two sides of the article.

Abstract: A holder comprising a rigid base bar having a pin end and a stabilizing end; a rigid stabilizing bar having a base end and an opposite end, with the base end of the rigid stabilizing bar being rigidly attached to the stabilizing end of the rigid base bar, and extending perpendicular to the rigid base bar; two nails being each having a head end and a pointed end, with the head end of the each nail being rigidly attached to separate points along the rigid stabilizing bar, and with the pointed end of the each nail being extended perpendicular to the rigid stabilizing bar and parallel with the rigid base bar and toward the perpendicular direction of the rigid base bar; and the rigid base bar having a bore through it in a direction parallel with the length of the rigid stabilizing bar.

Abstract: A door holding device is disclosed for wedging a door relative to a ceiling for preventing swinging or falling over of the door during painting thereof. The device includes a tubular member having a first and a second end. A biasing device having a first and a second extremity is disposed within the tubular member so that the first extremity of the biasing device abuts against the first end of the tubular member. A piston having a first and a second termination is slidably disposed within the tubular member so that the first termination of the piston abuts against the second extremity of the biasing device such that the piston is urged by the biasing device axially away from the first end of the tubular member. A door engaging fastener is rigidly secured to the first end of the tubular member such that in use of the device, the door engaging fastener is disposed between the door and the first end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for lifting lowering and centering a substrate on a surface employs lift pins have conical tips. A capture range is provided by the conical tips to capture and center misaligned wafers. One or more of the pins are inclined in certain embodiments to enhance the alignment capability of the lift pins. The inclined lift pins, when retracting into a support member at an angle, move a supported substrate horizontally into proper alignment.

Abstract: The present invention provides optimized designs that allow the coverage of the full surface of a receiving face in a substrate while at the same time reducing material deposition on the edge of the substrate, material deposition on and/or scratching of the backside of the substrate. While the methods and apparatus of the invention are described within the framework of aluminum deposition chambers, it is contemplated that the invention will be equally effective in all other semiconductor processing chambers where avoiding edge and/or backside deposition, scratching, and/or sticking may be desirable. The invention provides a support member having a deposit collection channel with slanted walls to trap deposit particles that do not depose of the substrate thus preventing deposition and sticking in the backside of a processed substrate.

Abstract: A tray or plate designed and configured to hold unique size and shaped storage receptacles for processed wafers such as die in gel or waffle packs as used in the semiconductor industry during the manufacturing and inspection processing so that it is securely held during this processing. The tray including a plurality of pins and a spring loaded corner jig that holds the storage receptacle securely against the pins.